Questions & Answers
Home Health VNA
How do I make arrangements to have a nurse come to my home?
All requests for services for Home Health VNA, Merrimack Valley Hospice or Private Care Services of HomeCare, Inc. are processed in our Intake Department. The Intake Department can be reached at or or you can send a referral via fax using our .
Are all VNA’s the same?
No. There are many different hospice and visiting nurse association agencies. Home Health VNA is not for profit and one of the largest and most respected in the region. We offer a comprehensive approach to home care for patients of all ages and every stage of illness or injury.
Who pays for the visiting nurse to come to my home?
The cost of care provided by Home Health VNA is typically covered by health insurance including most private insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid. Patients receiving care in the home must meet certain requirements including:
- Care must be ordered by your doctor
- The patient must be “homebound” or unable to leave home without great effort
- The patient’s condition requires nursing care in the home
For more information or to determine if you or a family member qualifies for visiting nurse services contact our Intake Department at or .
What cities and towns do you cover?
Home Health VNA provides care in more than 80 cities and towns in the Merrimack Valley, Northeastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire. Click here for a complete list of cities and towns.
Merrimack Valley Hospice
What is Hospice care?
Hospice is a type of compassionate care for patients whose illness is no longer responding to treatment and there is no hope for a cure. Hospice care is designed to improve quality of life by providing comfort care and personalized service including:
- expert medical care
- comprehensive pain management
- emotional and spiritual support
For more detailed information call or click on What is Hospice Care?
A member of my family recently passed away. Where can I find a support group to help me with my grief?
Merrimack Valley Hospice provides a variety of support groups for people grieving the loss of a loved one. For a complete list of support groups available in your area or call or Click on Bereavement Support.
My mother is in a nursing home. Can she still receive hospice care?
Yes, Merrimack Valley Hospice is committed to caring for patients nearing end of life whatever setting is called “home”: private home, nursing home, assisted living or hospital. In this instance, hospice care does not duplicate services being provided. Rather, our highly skilled teams can provide services that are unique to hospice care including pain and symptom management, spiritual services, expressive therapy and/or volunteer services.
Can a hospice patient who show signs of getting better be returned to active treatment?
Yes, if the patient’s condition improves and the patient seems to be recuperating, patients can be discharged from hospice and return to aggressive therapy or return to normal living. If the patient needs hospice care at a later date, the patient could be re-admitted to hospice.
Private Care Services of Home Care, Inc.
Do you only provide services in private homes?
We will provide care wherever “home” is…….whether it be an Assisted Living Facility or a cruise ship during a family vacation…..
How do you decide what services are needed?
All clients receive a comprehensive in-home assessment from licensed nursing professional who will suggest services necessary for their safety and well-being. This allows the client and family to make an informed decision about the services needed. Once the assessment is completed, we develop a care plan that fits each client’s situation. We review the care plan on a regular basis to make sure that the services provided are appropriate and effective.
Why should I use Private Care Services instead of hiring someone myself?
There are a number of reasons why you should choose Private Care Services. First, all our employees are screened, have a comprehensive background check and are fully trained. Second, we provide professional liability insurance and workers compensation. Third, we supervise our employees insure the highest level of professional conduct. Finally, you can rest assured that you will receive the services you need when you need them. There is never a gap in service due to an employee absence or vacation.
How much does it cost to have someone come to my house?
The amount of service you need is completely up to you. The cost will depend on the number and frequency of the specific services needed. Information on the cost of different services is available upon request. You will be surprised to learn how affordable home care can be.